Mike LaRocco (born February 12, 1971 in Michigan City, Indiana) is a former professional Supercross and Motocross racer. He is often referred to as "LaRocket" or "the rock" and raced a Kawasaki 125, 250, 500cc two strokes and a Honda 450cc four-stroke dirt bike.
Mike LaRocco was a pro from 1988 to 2006,[1] a record 19 seasons. He made his 214th start in 2005, also a record. He won the 500cc Motocross title in 1993,[1] the 250cc Motocross title in 1994, and has also won the 2000 World Supercross and 2002 U.S. Open Supercross Championships. In 2002 another rider caused LaRocco to crash at a small town Supercross event. The accident caused LaRocco to dislocate his wrist and tear ligaments in his leg. The injury caused him to discontinue the Supercross season, the first time in seven years he had not participated. In 2006, LaRocco announced his retirement.[1] At the time of his announcement, he had finished in the top five 145 times.[2] He is considered one of the greatest riders of all time.
LaRocco currently lives in Corona, California with his wife Elizabeth and son's Ryder, Parker, and Jagger. He also owns a home in Buchanan, Michigan, where hes spends his off time.
In 1991, a 120ft triple jump was constructed at Red Bud Motocross track in Buchannon, MI. It was Modeled after a large jump at Larocco's personal track called, called "Kong." Larocco and track co-owner Tim Ritchie decided to build a jump just like it at Red Bud. It was later named after Mike, after he became the first person to clear it, doing so on a 125cc bike, which is considered by the motocross community to be an impressive feat.